Cycle News

Cycle News 2014 Issue 04 January 28 2014

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

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VOL. 51 ISSUE 4 JANUARY 28, 2014 P37 >>QUICK REVIEW 2014 HONDA CRF250R STANDOUT FEATURES •Twin-muffler exhaust system •Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) •Twin-Spar aluminum frame •Renthal aluminum crossbar handlebars WEIGHT (full fuel): 235 lbs. MSRP: $7599 WHAT'S NEW •Twin-muffler exhaust system •New high-compression piston •Updated cylinder head and porting •Beefed up transmission •Lighter radiator •Increased fuel capacity •Dual-stage fuel injection timing •Updated frame •Updated fork •New swingarm •New rear shock •New suspension linkages •Updated bodywork The 2014 Honda CRF250R took on a fair amount of changes and you'll notice the difference on the track. For one, the motor feels a bit more aggressive and snappier and revs out a little longer than before. We like that. Last year's Honda, as good as it was, had a very linear powerband – almost electric-like – but the new CR has a meatier feel. We wouldn't say the bike has tons more power than last year's, but it does respond better and quicker. It also has a wide power delivery, making the bike easy to ride and easy to keep in the correct gear at all times. The CR's five-speed gearbox is mated well to the Honda's power delivery and clicking through the gears couldn't be much easier. We also liked the Honda's fairly light-pull clutch that offered good feel and engagement. Overall, the Honda has a very good motor. It might not be the most powerful in its class, but what it might lack in the roost department is made up in the ease-of-use department. The CR's mapping can be adjusted via Honda's HRC PGM-FI program tuner that you use in conjunction with your laptop computer and must be purchased separately. Although the chassis didn't change much, Honda did try to better centralize and lower its CG – here's where the dual-muffler system come into play. The design, which Honda really believes in, allows for a more compact and tucked in design over most single-muffler systems that tend to hang out further off the back of

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